Summary

History and traditions go hand in hand with emerging fashion and new trends in cuisine, culture and art in barcelona. Enjoy a sightseeing tour by bus that will take you up the elegant Passeig de Gràcia and revel in the beauty of the multi-peaked rocky range of Montserrat.

Meeting Point: Balmes, 5 (Barcelona)

Departure Time: 08:15 AM

Itinerary

HIGHLIGHTS TOUR: Enjoy a half-day excursion around Barcelona that will allow you to discover the history of the city while visiting some of the most important places in a comfortable and easy way.

The first part of the visit consists in a guided walking tour through the small and narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter, the oldest part of the city. During this early visit, you will see Las Ramblas, de Cathedral Square, The Cathedral, the Old Jewish Quarter, among other interesting places. You will be given of some free time to visit the Cathedral by yourself.

Later, take the bus to start with a panoramic tour around the rest of the city. Pass through the elegant Passeig de Gràcia Street, where two of the most important Gaudi’s buildings (Casa Batlló and Casa Milà “la Pedrera”) are located, the Triumph Arc, the Olympic Village and the Olympic Port, where you will do a brief stop. For the next part of the visit, access Montjuic Mountain. This is an important place because it was the main scenery of the Olympic Games in the 1992. Stop a few minutes in the Olympic stadium and later have the opportunity to enjoy the panoramic views of the city riding the aerial tramway (subject to the weather conditions). For the next part, go to the Spanish Village (Poble Espanyol), one of the main attractions in Montjuïc that consist in a synthesis of all the cultural variety in Spain. During the visit you will be given some free time to enjoy the different areas inspired in different Spanish regions, where you will find craft shops restaurants and bars.

At the end, back to the bus, leave Montjuic and come back to the city centre passing through España square, where you will admire the magical fountains, the twin venetian towers, the MNAC and the Shopping centre Las Arenas, build in an old bullring. Arrive at Catalunya square, and end up the tour in front of Hard Rock Café.

MONTSERRAT TOUR:Includes Montserrat Rack Railway (Cog-Wheel Train).

Montserrat is a rocky mountain located 50 km to the southwest of Barcelona. It is considered the most significant and important mountain of Catalonia. The etymology of Montserrat comes from Catalan Mont(mountain) and serrat (serrated). The mountain receives its name for its peculiar morphology. In 1987 Montserrat was declared a Natural Park to ensure its conservation. The highest peak is called Sant Jeroni (Saint Jerome) and stands at 1,236 meters above sea level.

The importance of this mountain is due to the legend of the miraculous appearance of the Madonna and Child in one of the caves. This cave received the name Santa Cova (The Saint Cave). To this day, the wood carving of the Madonna and Child are kept in the Church of the monastery and it is possible to visit it. This image of the Madonna is popularly known as La Moreneta (The Black Madonna) for its dark color. The color is the result of a reaction caused by varnish. La Moreneta´sholiday is on April 27th.

Due to the legend of the Madonna, the mountain has been linked with spirituality. Besides the main monastery of Santa María de Montserrat, there is a great number of small churches and chapels, some of them abandoned. The main monastery stands at 720 meters above sea level. Nowadays there is a community of 80 monks that live there and follow the rule of Saint Benedict.

During the first part of the tour, you will enjoy an introduction to the history of the monastery. Once the guided tour has ended, you will have free time to enjoy the fabulous landscape by yourself, to visit the local food market, to visit the audiovisual exhibition and to taste some typical liqueurs.

What to visit in Montserrat?

La Moreneta: the most popular option, both for the locals and the foreigners. Depending on the time of the year there can be a long queue.

Escolanía: one of the oldest Boys Choir in Europe. They usually have concerts on weekdays at 13:00. It is recommended to consult the timetable.

Museum: wide variety of archeological and an art gallery with works from medieval times to avant-garde. The entrance to the museum is not included in the tour. Time to visit is approximately two hours.

Funicular of Sant Joan and funicular of the Santa Cova: The funiculars offer the possibility of get to different points of the mountain. The price of the tickets are not included in the tour and it is recommended to consult the timetable.

Hiking routes: The Mountain has many hiking routes. The routes are long and it can take hours to finish them. A good option is to walk to the cross of Sant Miguel(approximately 15 minutes away from the monastery), it offers one of the best panoramic views of the mountain and the monastery.

Exclusions

Important Notes

From the end of January to the beginning of March (dates to be confirmed) the cable car doesn't work due to maintenance tasks, this service will be replaced by a tapas tasting at the Spanish Village.

The stop at the Olympic Stadium will take place unless there is any event that prevents access to the stadium.

Tapas tasting at the Spanish Village: Please remember to request a change in the usual menu due to food intolerances or other reason when making your reservation and wait for the answer. If you do not notify us in advance, the company is not responsible for not being able to serve you an alternative menu.

FOR MONTSERRAT:

1st April to 31st October: departure at 3:00pm. Check in at 2:45pm.

1st November to 31st March: departure at 2:15pm. Check in at 2:00pm.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Please be aware that some walking is included during this tour, please be ready and wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

You have approximately 1 hour and 15 min of free time for lunch (from April to October) and 30 min (from November to March) between both parts of the excursions. Lunch not included.

Proper dress code is requested to enter the Basilica at Montserrat. It is not permitted to enter with tank tops, strapless shirts, short shorts or flip flops.

At Montserrat there is a mountains climate, depending on the season you will need clothes protecting you from the rain and/or cold.

For your comfort, a radio guide system is offered during the tour, in groups of more than 5 people.